Living on an Island

Hoy has a population of around 450 residents to make island life special. Locals rarely pass another vehicle without giving a smile and wave of friendship. Someone will always stop to assist a broken down vehicle. Indeed, sometimes residents have difficulty getting out of the local shops without sharing the time of day with each other, and will always be interested to learn who is visiting the island, where they come from and what it's like there.

Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the community spirit and friendly atmosphere. The crime rate is non-existent – in fact, there are no police on the island; there is no need. Apart from cliff-tops and tidal waters, people can have the peace of mind to let their children roam free in complete safety. Spending time on Hoy is often compared to being caught in a time warp and being transported back to the carefree days of the past. Pollution is virtually non-existent and the crystal clear sea is among the purest.

The island is beautifully rugged in places with overbearing heather laden hills to the north, and a more gentle, greener landscape to the south - almost two entirely different settings. In fact, due to the shape of the hills and their position, Hoy sometimes appears to have two different climates. It can be warm and sunny in Rackwick, while raining in Longhope. The best part, though, is that you are never more than a half hour car journey from one end of the island to the other. Therefore, the sunshine - if there - can be easily accessed.

Things to do

Especially during the summer season, island life is enhanced by dances. Other activities include bird watching, canoeing, angling, hill walking, swimming, sailing and much more. The local school's considerable facilities are also shared as a community centre, which include tennis courts, gymnasium and indoor heated swimming pool.

Hoy is a beautiful island where you can be as busy or quiet as you like, and in complete safety! If you are looking to get away from it all and sample island life, then The Hoy Hotel is the place for you.

This picture demonstrates the short walk from the hotel to the ferry terminal, which is near the visible pier on the right of the picture.